The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is Canada-bound in 2018, bringing its Annual Global Convention to Toronto for the second time in the association’s history. IGLTA’s board of directors selected Ontario’s capital city– long celebrated for its vibrant LGBT community – for the 35th edition of the conference from May 9-12, 2018. The convention, the leading educational and networking event for the LGBT tourism industry, will take place at the downtown Westin Harbour Castle hotel on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Dan Melesurgo, board chair, IGLTA said, “Canada stands at the forefront of gay and lesbian rights, and our 2009 convention in Toronto was one of our best attended. Toronto is truly a diverse, multicultural city that has world-class attractions and unique neighborhoods, including a large and popular gay village. We’re excited to return in 2018 and set the bar even higher.”
Toronto’s reputation as an LGBT-welcoming destination continues to grow. WorldPride 2014 united advocates and allies from around the globe in Toronto, attracting an estimated two million visitors over the course of the 10-day festival, and the city’s annual gay pride event is one of the largest in North America.
Andrew Weir, chief marketing officer, Tourism Toronto said, “Our tourism community looks forward to welcoming IGLTA in 2018. The world is taking notice of Toronto’s vibrancy and progressive spirit that makes this is not only a welcoming destination but also one of North America’s most exciting cities to explore.”